The history of the GMC Yukon is a bit complicated. It started out under its present nameplate as a much smaller SUV in the GM family called the Jimmy. As often happens with certain rebranded models, the Jimmy is a relic of the early 1990s, soon to be considered a “classic”. The 2019 GMC Yukon XL, on the other hand, has proven over the years to be one of the most durable full-sized SUVs on the market.
While Jimmy is a fine name for actors and obsolete SUVs, the name doesn’t quite evoke the sense of ruggedness you might expect out of a top of the line sports utility vehicle. The term Yukon is derived from the Canadian territory to the immediate east of Alaska. It is the smallest of the Canadian provinces and territories by population and the site of a famous gold rush in 1897. It is among the most unexplored territories in the western hemisphere and renowned for its beautiful wilderness. It sounds like the perfect name for an SUV with the ability to go anywhere and do anything.
The 2019 Yukon GMC XL really does reflect its namesake, in more ways than one. It has the power to get you wherever you need to go, and I do mean wherever. With a 5.3 liter V-8 engine, capable of 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, this beast of a vehicle can tow up to 7,900 pounds. And that is just the base trim. Read on to discover the 2019 GMC Yukon XL and some of the ways it is pure gold, just like the expansive Canadian territory for which it is named.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 2019 GMC Yukon XL is wide open. Like most full-sized SUVs, it is built for transporting not only people but the gear they need to take with them. Despite the fact that it has seating for eight people, the comfort level for each is significant. It has a front headroom of 42.8 inches and front legroom of 45.3 inches. That’s more than enough room for most human beings. Additionally, the rear seats have 39.1 inches of headroom and 39.7 inches of legroom. Unless you have a truck full of abnormally tall people, each passenger should sit comfortably in any seat.
The 2019 GMC Yukon XL was not built just to transport humans, though. After all, SUVs are meant to appeal to the outdoorsy types as well as those who have larger families. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area is 76.7 cubic feet. With both rear rows down, that number jumps to a staggering 121.7 cubic feet. So, if you are heading out to the wilderness for some camping, kayaking, fishing, hunting or whatever outdoor activity is calling you, the 2019 GMC Yukon XL is more than sufficient to haul all of your gear, and then some.
SAFETY
We all know that anything can happen on the road. You might be the best driver in the world, but that just means that every other driver out there is not as good as you. Fortunately for the current generations of drivers, modern technology has made driving for all just a little safer. This is especially true for some of the more adventurous types that may be inclined to take the 2019 GMC Yukon XL off-road.
The 2019 GMC Yukon XL is loaded with standard and optional safety features. Among those that may appeal most to a buyer looking to hit the great outdoors are Stabilitrak and Brake Assistance. Stabilitrak is a system trademarked by General Motors that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles on less than ideal road conditions. This includes loose and uneven roads, both common occurrences for off-roaders. This has been a standard feature on all GM vehicles for more than a decade. Brake Assistance is exactly what it sounds like. This feature allows the 2019 GMC Yukon XL to add brake pressure to what the driver is applying in the event of a perceived emergency.
Other safety features include, but are not limited to, seven total airbags, including overhead curtain airbags for all three rows, and front and side airbags for the first row of passengers. It also includes connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in case you need to use your phone as a map or need an inspiring playlist for your imminent adventure. It also features remote engine start, you know, in case a bear is chasing you and you feel like you don’t have time to start the car manually. Optional features include Forward Collision Warning and Forward Collision Mitigation. These features serve to lessen the possibilities of running into anything and harming yourself, your 2019 GMC Yukon XL and any potential bears.
TRIMS
While the XL level of the Yukon could technically itself be considered a trim level in itself, seeing as how it is the extended wheelbase of the GMC Yukon, the 2019 GMC Yukon XL has four trim levels of its own: the SLE, the SLT, the SLT Standard Edition and the Denali. The Denali, the highest of the trim levels, is where you really strike gold. Named for the highest mountain in North America (located in Alaska, right next to Yukon Territory), the Denali comes with an extremely powerful 6.2 liter V-8 with a 10 speed automatic transmission. This SUV garners 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. That allows the 2019 GMC Yukon XL Denali to tow just about anything you could need behind it, including boats, jet skis, campers, and lesser SUVs. At $69,300 MSRP, it is comparable in price to other similar vehicles in its class, but comparable in price only.
WHY THE 2019 GMC YUKON XL?
Sports Utility Vehicles are as popular as ever. They have taken the place of minivans and station wagons for family transport. They are more versatile than pick-up trucks. They are roomier than cars. They have all the best parts of vehicle types that have spent decades as the most popular. Now, they also have the contemporary comforts of home. You can watch a DVD or Blu-Ray in the back seat, all while being connected to Wi-Fi or connecting to one of the multiple USB ports. SUVs are roomy, have comfortable seats and all kinds of safety features. With the nature of SUVs and their ability to offer so much in a single vehicle, shopping for one is quite a demanding chore.
The 2019 GMC Yukon XL offers everything its competition class does, and it does so with competitive pricing. The various trim MSRP prices range about $17,000 from bottom trim to top, with further packages costing up to an additional $3,000, or so. It isn’t the most expensive full-sized SUV, it isn’t the least expensive. Certain competition may have higher quality interiors or fancier gadgets, for which you will pay more. Those types of features may not appeal to someone looking for a sturdy, rugged SUV that can get you to the great outdoors, however.
The Yukon Territory is one of North America’s last great unexplored frontiers. The 2019 GMC Yukon XL is every bit the gem and treasured beauty that its namesake is, albeit a little more well known.
